Egypt is considering buying six CH-47D Chinook helicopters from the US to strengthen the country's armed forces.

The Chinook helicopters will be used by Egypt's armed forces in disaster relief efforts and joint exercises with US forces in the region.

The multirole helicopter is capable of transporting artillery, troops, ammunition, fuel and supplies within military theaters of operation as well as performing humanitarian support.

The Chinook is capable of flying at more than 150mph when fully loaded over 330nm with long-range fuel tanks. The helicopter with a crew of three can transport 44 seated troops or 24 casualty litters.

The tandem rotor, heavy-lift helicopter can handle loads up to 24,000lb with a maximum gross weight of 50,000lb (22,668kg).

16 T55-GA-714A engines, eight AN/APR-39A(V)1 radar signal detecting sets with mission data sets, eight AN/APX-117 transponders with TS-4530 interrogator / transponder test sets will also be included in the possible buyout.

In addition, the Egyptian government has also requested for flight and radar signal simulators, three M978A4 HEMTT fuel tanker trucks, two fork lift trucks and eight AN/ARC-220 (RT-1749) high-frequency aircraft communication systems from the US.

The deal is estimated to cost $308 million and prime contractors will include the Boeing Helicopter Company in Philadelphia.-TradeArabia News Service